Switches Indicators & Gauges

Magnetostrictive Tank Gauging

There are different ways of measuring levels in a tank, whether it be hydrostatic, magnetic float, capacitance, ultrasonic or conductance. Tank gauges are used to determine different variables including levels, condensation, density, or temperature.

Magnetostrictive tank gauges use magnetic tracking to determine the fluid pressure in a closed body of liquid. Magnetostrictive materials change their shape when subjected to a magnetic field, converting magnetic energy into kinetic energy. Magnetostriction is the property of ferromagnetic materials, which have a structure that is divided into domains. Each domain is a region of uniform magnetic polarisation. When a magnetic field is applied, the boundaries between the domains shift, rotating them, causing a change in the material’s dimensions.

LabkoMax and LabkoFlex

The LabkoMax and LabkoFlex systems are designed for reliable, accurate and inexpensive fuel storage monitoring, in applications such as service stations, terminals, refineries and other fuel distribution sites.  These systems easily intensify logistics, optimise storage, detect condensated water and control leaks. They measure product level, temperature and eventual condensed water level. They are based on the magnetostrictive measuring principle, so are ideal for applications demanding high accuracy and good repeatability.

The sensor’s wetted parts are of stainless steel and PVDF, suitable for fuels like gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, various additives and industrial chemicals. They can take measurements from tanks up to 15 m high, are very easy to install and have an IP 68 structure. The LabkoMax is best for tanks that are less than 5 m high, while the LabkoFlex is most suitable for tanks between 5 – 15 m high. LabkoMax sensor can be equipped with one or two floats and optionally with 1 – 5 temperature sensors.

The MPS-4 is the interface and barrier unit of both systems, transforming the measurements into digital information. It is compatible with most common pump controllers, cash registers and outdoor payment terminals. It is also possible to observe the level information of containers in real time online with the LabkoNet® service site.

The Development of Tools

The basic definition of a tool is an object that creates more effective action of one thing upon another. Simple machines are based on what type of action this involves, whether a lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge or screw. These basic categories were defined by Renaissance scientists, and are the basis of complex machines. Although multiple species utilise tools, including monkeys, apes and sea otters, what is unique about humans is that we are the only species that uses tools to create other tools. There are called machine tools.

A machine tool is a powered mechanical device, usually used to fabricate metal components, thus removing the human element in the physical production of tools. After the Industrial Revolution and the development of the steam engine, machine tools were able to be powered by steam. Today most are powered by electricity, and can be operated manually or automatically. Examples of machine tools include the drill press, gear shaper, lathe, hobbing machine, shaper, planer, broaching machine and grinder.

Machine Tools and Mass Production

The invention of machine tools led to the development of mass production. David Hounshell states: “The new manufacturing technology spread first to the production of a new consumer durable, the sewing machine, and eventually it diffused into such areas as typewriters, bicycles, and eventually automobiles.” (1984, p4) It took off from the small arms industry such as Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Co. As manufacturers worked with the makers of machine tools, they overcame problems related to the cutting, planing, boring and shaping of metal parts.

This ” technological convergence” would lead to the Fordist system of manufacturing and labour division. This system, named after Henry Ford, was based on mass production to lower the price of the product, and simultaneously raising workers’ wages to feed massive consumption. The system emphasised synchronisation, precision and specialisation, and would lead to the economic dominance of the United States from the 1940s onwards.

Fuel Pump

A fuel pump feeds fuel from the fuel tank to the engine of a car. Some older vehicles don’t have a fuel pump as gravity pulls fuel through a hose to the engine. But in most cars fuel has to be pumped to the carburetor or to the fuel injection system. In engines where fuel is pumped to the carburetor, mechanical fuel pumps are used. These involve a diaphragm pump that has a pump chamber that moves the fuel through flexing the diaphragm, with valves on each end to force the fuel in the wanted direction. The pump creates negative pressure to draw the fuel down the lines, but this can sometimes fail as it cannot pump fuel vapor (which can happen if there is combination of low pressure and heat from the engine).

Electric fuel injection systems operate more efficiently at higher fuel pressures than mechanical fuel pumps. They push the fuel down the hose rather than drawing it up, are placed close to the tank, and rely on a siphon to get the fuel in the first place.  In other words it creates positive pressure. Some fuel pumps are actually placed inside the fuel tank as liquid fuel will not explode only fuel vapors, so it is submerged in the tank to prevent vapors reaching it. The equipment used includes an electric fuel pump, filter, and usually a float sensor to measure the liquid level and sending a signal to the fuel gauge on the dashboard.

Fuel Pump failure and replacement

If the fuel pump or fuel pump equipment is not working properly it can cause emissions problems, stall the car,  and distort the calibration of the fuel system. If the system is not calibrated property it will result in poor idling, loss of power, stumbling when accelerating, misfiring and increases in hydrocarbon emissions. It is important to replace it or recalibrate it as soon as possible, taking note of the year, make, model and engine size of the car.